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Piaget's Moral Reasoning Theory

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Jean Piaget was the first theorist to describe the development of moral reasoning and how changes occur overtime. Based on Jean Piagets theory it was psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg that further developed the moral reasoning theory that morality starts in the early years of a childs life and can be influenced by negative or positive factors. Lawrence Kohlberg defined moral reasoning as judgments about right or wrong. He believed that at birth all humans were born without morals, ethics, and honesty. He established that the family was the first source of values and morals for individuals. The basis of Kohlbergs studies was his use of presenting moral dilemmas or hypothetical situations where one must make difficult decisions. These dilemmas or situations were presented to children in story form and contained moral issues such as the value of a human life. One …show more content…

Levels and …show more content…

This level includes stages 5 and 6 that focuses on Social Contract Orientation and Ethical Principles. In Social Contract Orientation (stage 5) the individual takes into consideration various opinions and values of different people before determining their view on the morality of the action. At this stage rules and laws are important but are subject to change based on fairness and overall civil rights of individuals. The final stage of moral development Ethical Principles (stage 6). Persson functioning at this level take personal responsibility for their own actions on the basis of fundamental and universal principles such as justice and basic respect for others (pg. 308, The Developing Child, 13th

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